Support for electric resistance elements



EATING Patented Oct. 9, 1928.

UNIT-ED STATES .arretrate @OYE 1,686,796 PATENT OFFICE.

EGERTON RYERSON CASE, OF TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA.

SUPPORT FOR ELECTRIC RESISTANCE ELEMENTS.

Application filed August 20, 1925. Serial Nol 51,302.

My invention relates to improvements in supports for electric resistanceelements, and the principal object of my invention, broadly speaking, isto provide a device of the class set forth having a resistance elementassociated therewith as hereinafter more particularly set forth, so thatwhen it be necessary to replace the resistance element, this can be doneby removing the said support from the supporting means therefor, andreplace it by a new support, and without needing the service of anelectrical workman, and so overcome any cost on the part of themanufacturer for maintenance purposes.

Another object of my invention, in its preferred form, is to soconstruct the support that a treating agent for air may be distributedthereby. A still further object of my invention is to so construct thesupport to provide a multiplicity of selectable resistance-elementreceiving-passages whereby resistance-elements of varying lengths may beinterchangeably placed on the support, and whereby localization of theresistance-element in any given part of the support may be effected. Andin the following specification, and drawings forming part thereof, Ishall describe and illustrate two disclosures within my invention, andwhat I claim as new will be set forth in the claims forming part of thisspecification.

Fig. 1 is a front elevation of my preferred form of support. Fig. 2 is avertical central longitudinal section on the line 2 2, Fig. 1, alsoshowing in section a suitable supporting means for t-he support, and ametal conduit housed within said parts. Fig. 3 is a front elevation of amodified form of my support, and Fig. 4 is a side elevation of the formshown in Fig. 3.

In the drawings, like characters of reference refer to the same parts.

At the outset it must be understood that in the broad disclosure of myinvention, the support for the resistance element need not beconstructed to carry or convey a treating agent, consequently dry heatwaves would be generated thereby.

As ordinarily used for heating purposes, the electric current produces avery dry or arid condition of the atmosphere in a' room, and thepreferred embodiments within my invention will show whereby it ispossible to introduce humidity into the air that the ideal relationshipbetween the humidity content of the air and the temperature thereof, canbe reasonably maintained in the ordinary house. Not only is there abeneficial eect on the health of the individual where the conditionsjust set forth are reasonably maintained, but it has been proven thatwhere the outdoor temperature is 30 F. and over, less electric currentis needed to maintain the temperature of a room at a comfortable degree,than when dry electric heat is used.

2 is the body portion of the support which is made of suitableelectric-current-insulating material, such as porcelain, and the same isprovided with a plurality of radially disposed spaced ribs or bars 3extending longitudinally thereof. The support may be tapered as shown inFig. 2, wherein the ribs or bars 3 conform to the taper, or else thebody portion 2 of the support may be of uniform diameter, in which casethe ribs or bars 3 will conform to the general form of said bodyportion.

The ends of certain ribs or bars 3 and 3 are undercut as shown at 4; topermit the resistance element (not shown) to be maintained in place.

Certain of the ribs or bars 3 and 3 may continue right up to the flangeor coupling means 5, as shown at 6. This construction may be advisableto reduce cost of manufacture, though it is not essential.

The said flange or coupling means is prefer.- ably integrally formedwith the body portion of the support, and the same is apertured as shownat 7 to permit the ordinary terminals 8 (one only of which is shown inFig. 2) to be coupled thereto. In the disclosure shown in Fig. 2 aportion 9 of the resistance element is shown as clamped between a pairof nuts 10 mounted on each of the terminals 8. 11 is a nut screwed oneach of the terminals 8 and up against the inner face of the flange 5,thus coupling the said terminals to the support.

12 is any suitable support to which the support is coupled. Means notgermane to this invention will be provided to carry the support 12. Thesaid support 12 is provided with holes 13 which are in alignment withholes 14 formed in the flange 5. A bolt 15 occupies the aligned holes 13and 14, and nuts 16 on each end of the said bolts are Counter-sunk inthe support 12, and flange 5. By removing the nuts counter-sunk in theflange 5, the support can be readily removed in case it be necessary toreplace a defective resistance element. Since the terminals 8 arelixedly associated with said support, they will also be withdrawn fromthe support 12 when the support is disassociated therewith. Anothersupport with a new resistance element mounted thereon can be used toimmediately replace the removed support, and then when these elementshave been positioned the removed nuts are replaced `on the bolts 15.

One of the ribs 3 is shown as made in two aligned spaced sections on theupper side of Fig. 2, and therefore this construction provides apassage-way between said aligned spaced sections. Likewise the ribs orbars 3 are formed in two aligned sections spaced apart as shown at a inFig. 4.

So constructing certain of the ribs or bars provides a multiplicity ofselectable resistance-element receiving-passages wherebyresistance-elements of varying lengths may be interchangeably placed onthe support, and whereby localization of the resistanceelement in anygiven part of the support may e effected.

The foregoing part of the specification has disclosed clearly a supportwithin my invention not adapted to introduce a treating agent into theair, and in the following part of the specification, I shall describe mypreferred embodiment, and a modification thereof, for the purpose ofintroducinga treating agent, such as water, to the air.

The body portion 2 is provided with a passage-way 18 therethrough, whichpassageway also extends through the iiange 5. For ease of manufact-ure,this passage-way is tapered. Extending through the passageway 18 is aconduit 19, and the internal diameter of this conduit is slightly lessthan the internal diameter of the passage-way 18 at its outer end. Tohold said conduit in position, the inner end passes through a passageway2O formed in the support 12. This passage-way 2O is substantially inalignment. with the outer end of the passage-way 18 so that the conduit19 may be supported in the position shown in Fig. 2.

By means not germane to this invention, the treating agent, such aswater, is supplied to the conduit 19, and as this conduit is preferablylightly packed with a suitable incombustible material 2l, such asasbestos, it becomes saturated with the treating agent. Through theaction of heat this treating agent is vaporized, and this vapor escapesthrough the outer end of the conduit 19.

The amount of humidity that can be introduced into the air will dependupon the area of the opening or aperture through which the humidityescapes, and in order to keep the size of the support within reasonablelimitations, I find that it is preferable to form a longitudinal slot 22in the body portion 2, which slot opens into the passage-way 18` and forthe convenience of manufacture, the middle portion of one of the ribs orbars f5 is omitted where this slot occurs. IVhen the slot 22 is used,the conduit 19 must also be slotted as oder shown at 23 so that vapormay escape laterally from said conduit as Well as through the outer' endthereof.

In Fig. 1l, 18 is the passage-way through the body portion 2 of thesupport, and 22 is the slot formed in said body portion andcommunicating with the passage-way 18. The formation of this slot 22necessitates the omission of the middle portion of one of the ribs orbars 3.

It of course must be distinctly understood that I do not confine myselfto using the slots or apertures 22 and 22', though I find it convenientto maire use of the same for the reason set forth.

Vhen t-he resistance-element-provided support is removed from itssupport 12, since the conduit 19 is held in the passage-way 20, thisconduit of course cannot be removed. N ow in order to give the conduit19 the maximum of support in the support 12, this support 12 ispreferably provided with a conicalshaped extension 24 which projectscentrally beyond one side thereof, and this extension is provided with apassage-way 25 therethrough which is in alignment with the passage-way20. The outer shape of the extension 24e is made to conform to the taperof the inner end of the passage-way 18, consequently the body portion 2of the support, and its associated ribs or bars, together with theresistance element mounted thereon, are largely supported by saidextension 24: but it must be clearly understood that the said extensionmay be omitted if desired.

The outer ends of the ribs or bars 3 and 3 are preferably located behindthe outer end of the body portions 2 and 2 of the support so that thevapor escaping through the outer end of the passage-way 18 will not comein contact with the resistance element.

It will be observed from both disclosureswithin my invention that theends of the heating element are adjacent, and are located at one endonly of the support: this fact enables me to locate the terminals 8 inrespect of the flange 5 so that the ordinary push-and-pull plug may beused therewith.

The disclosures in this present application show specific forms of adevice which in part embrace the principle disclosed in my pendingapplication #755,489, tiled December 12th, 1924-, for electric heating`units and method of assembling same, and it will be noticed particularlyfrom Figs. 1 and 3 of this application that the supports therein-shownare symmetrical in cross section: This construe-- tion will provide forsubstantially equal ei:- pa-nsion and contraction so as to avoidinternal stresses or strains of a. character to cause fractures. It isvery important that the expansion and contraction in an article of thisclass,` used as herein-disclosed, shall be substantially uniformthroughout all its parts.

While I have described what I consider to be the best embodiments withinmy invention, it must be understood that the principle thereof may beembodied in many different forms, and I desire not to be limited beyondthe requirements of the prior art and the terms of my claims.

What I claim as my invention is:

1. As a new article of manufacture, a resistance-.element support madeof any suitable material, and exteriorly provided with a plurality ofradially-disposed spaced ribs integrally formed therewith and extendingsubstantially longitudinally thereof; an exterior attaching flangeprovided with a pair of spaced openings therethrough located laterallyof and in spaced relation to said support adapted to receive eachterminal, at one end of said support and further provided with apertureslocated laterally of the longitudinal axis of said support to permitvremovable fastening means to be passed therethrough; the ends of thedesired ribs adjacent said attaching flange being spaced aparttherefrom.

2. In a resistance-element support as delined in claim 1, the making ofcertain ribs in spaced sections to provide a multiplicity of selectableresistance-wire receiving-passages whereby resistance elements ofvarying lengths may be interchangeably placed on the support, andwhereby localization of the resistance element in any given part of thesupport may be effected.

3. As a new article of manufacture, a single resistance-element supportmade of any suitable material, exteriorly provided at one end withcoupling means, and having a longitudi; Inal passageway substantiallycentrally there- 4through adapted to perform the function of a vaporconduit, said passage-way passing through said coupling means which isapertured laterally of said central passage-way to permit removablefastening means to be passed therethrough, said support furtherexteriorly provided with a plurality of radiallydisposed spaced ribsprojecting beyond the outer surface thereof and extending substantiallylongitudinally thereof with the inner ends of the desired ribs spacedapart from said exterior coupling means to provide a passage-waytherebetween through which said resistance-element may be passed.

4. As a new article of manufacture, a single resistance-element supporthaving a longitudinal passage-way therethrough adapted -to perform thefunction of a conduit for a vapor and into whichopensalateralpassage-way formed in said support and exteriorly providedwith a plurality of spaced ribs integrally formed therewith andextending substantially longitudinally thereof, and coupling means atone end of said support, the ends of the desired ribs adjacent saidcoupling means being spaced apart therefrom.

5. As a new article of manufacture, a single resistance-element supporthaving a longitudinal passage-way therethrough into which opens alateral passage-way formed in said support, and exteriorly provided witha plurality of spaced ribs integrally formed therewith and extendingsubstantially longitudinally thereof; an attaching flange at one end ofsaid support, the ends of the desired ribs adjacent said flange beingspaced apart therefrom, and an open conduit located in said passage-way,and laterally provided with an opening leading to the passage-way exteding through said support.

6. In combination, a chambered single resistance-element support made ofany suitable material, and provided with a plurality of spaced ribsintegrally formed therewith and extending substantially longitudinallythereof; an attaching flange at one end of said support, the ends of thedesired ribs adjacent said flange being spaced apart therefrom, the saidflange being provided with a pair of spaced openings therethroughadapted to receive eacha terminal, and a supporting member to which saidflange is adapted to be removably coupled, the said member beingprovided with apertures which are in alignment with the terminalopenings in said flange, and further provided with an extension adaptedto extend into the chamber formed in said I port.

7. In combination a support made of any iitable material exteriorlyprovided with a vp -urality of radially-disposed spaced ribs integrallyformed therewith and extending substantially longitudinally thereof; anexterior attaching flange at one end of said support, provided with apair of spaced openings therethrough located laterally of and in spacedrelation to said support; the ends of the desired ribs adjacent saidflange being spaced apart therefrom; a resistance element mounted onsaid support and around and between said ribs, and a terminal located ineach of t-he said openings and to which the ends of said resistanceelement are secured.

8. In combination, a support, for a resist- Lance element, having alongitudinal passagel"way therethrough from which opens a lateraloutlet; a plurality of spaced ribs integrally formed with said supportand cxtending substantially longitudinally thereof; means 'closingcommunication to the outside atmosphere at the inner end of saidpassagej way, and means whereby a treating agent is passed into saidpassageway.

EGERTON RYERSON CASE.

